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Should I get that additional CT scan?

Posted by bakugan @aykut, Aug 22, 2023

Hey guys. 21 Male here. Weighing 83.4 kilos with a height of 170 cms. On nasal steroids and 120 mg of fexofenadyne daily. Also use 50 mg sertraline/day.

So in February my doctor ordered a paranasal sinus CT scan on me because I was having Eustachian Tube Dysfunction symptoms. Following CT scan it was incidentally found out that I had a huge cyst on my right maxillary sinus, nearly compromising 80% of the whole sinus space. He told me that I should get it removed but it was no big hurry and he also said that it didn't look malignant since there was no bone invasion. I had school so I kinda postponed the process to summer.

Now that I am away from my previous doctor, I had to get the scans checked by another ENT specialist in August and he suggested I should get another paranasal sinus CT scan. I asked if it were okay to get two ct scans within a 6 months period and he said it would be fine.

Tbh, I don't wanna get another CT scan because of all that ionizing radiation beams I am gonna get thrown directly on my HEAD. Should I take it? Is there another way to get it checked (like an MRI and stuff) ?

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casey1329 | @casey1329 | Aug 22, 2023

I don't know the answer. Perhaps a google search might help...good luck !

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Aug 22, 2023

@aykut The answer as to whether an MRI or X-ray can be used instead of a CT for your sinus is "probably not" - neither provides and adequate image of the cyst or growth you describe.

The concern about radiation is a separate issue. A head CT exposes you to about 2 mSV of radiation - equivalent to perhaps 10-20 x-rays - so it is wise to be cautious.

However, think about whether you want to treat the problem permanently...right now you are putting steroids in your body every day, which are not particularly healthy to use for a lifetime. Perhaps after surgery and healing you will be able to reduce or eliminate those, so you could view it as a tradeoff. For example, I have a chronic lung condition, including a low-grade infection. I have 2 choices - keep it at bay with careful airway hygiene and have it checked by CT every 12-18 months to be sure it is not worsening, or stay on a course of 3 antibiotics (that wreak havoc with my body) indefinitely, I have opted for airway hygiene and periodic CT as the safer of the two.

What do you think of looking at the issue in this different way?
Sue

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1 reply
bakugan | @aykut | Aug 22, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "@aykut The answer as to whether an MRI or X-ray can be used instead of a..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@aykut The answer as to whether an MRI or X-ray can be used instead of a CT for your sinus is "probably not" - neither provides and adequate image of the cyst or growth you describe.

The concern about radiation is a separate issue. A head CT exposes you to about 2 mSV of radiation - equivalent to perhaps 10-20 x-rays - so it is wise to be cautious.

However, think about whether you want to treat the problem permanently...right now you are putting steroids in your body every day, which are not particularly healthy to use for a lifetime. Perhaps after surgery and healing you will be able to reduce or eliminate those, so you could view it as a tradeoff. For example, I have a chronic lung condition, including a low-grade infection. I have 2 choices - keep it at bay with careful airway hygiene and have it checked by CT every 12-18 months to be sure it is not worsening, or stay on a course of 3 antibiotics (that wreak havoc with my body) indefinitely, I have opted for airway hygiene and periodic CT as the safer of the two.

What do you think of looking at the issue in this different way?
Sue

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Hey! I appreciate your answer. I talked to a radiologist prior going to my CT scan appointment and she told me that my initial CT scans showed signs of mucocele rather than a cyst. She also told me that I didn't need an MRI nor a further CT scan. Adding an image of the initial scan, just so you can see what it's like.

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